Don’t be intimidated by the length of this novel or by the sometimes confusing Russian names. This book is a true masterpiece and well worth the time and effort to read.

Profound opening line

Anna Karenina has been an object of my obsession for years now. Tolstoy’s portrayal of characters is very true; the characters are so realistic and well developed that it feels like I know them personally. Lots of contrasts can be seen, from Stiva and Anna’s love affairs carrying very different consequences (or lack of), highlighting the differing expectations for men and women. Moreover, the stifling urban life vs the natural countryside. Levin and Anna are also two sides of the same coin almost, in their pursuit of love. They’re both contradicting and at times infuriating characters, but so realistic that you can’t even be mad at it. 1 star taken away because I had to translate a lot of the French dialogue, and also some of the conversations and banter between the characters that were clearly commentaries on Russian society and politics went over my head.

Tough to get around the Russian names but obviously great story and intriguing characters and time.

What happened to Alexy, Vronsky, Dolly Much much different than the cinema. Better